Cinnyris solaris
The Flame-breasted Sunbird (Cinnyris solaris) is a dazzling avian jewel endemic to the Wallacea region, characterized by striking sexual dimorphism. Males are instantly recognizable by their iridescent metallic green crown and mantle, contrasting with a brilliant fiery orange-red breast that fades to a dusky, olive-tinged lower belly. A narrow, iridescent blue-purple band often separates the green from the red. They typically measure around 10-11 cm in length and weigh 7-9 grams. Females are ...
Found primarily in a variety of forested and semi-open habitats, including forest edges, secondary growth, mangroves, plantations, and gardens, from sea level up to around 1,800 meters elevation.
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders, which are crucial for protein, especially during breeding.
Flame-breasted Sunbirds are highly active and diurnal, spending their days foraging energetically. They employ a combination of probing flowers for nectar and hawking insects in flight, often hovering hummingbird-like. Males are territorial, vocally defending their feeding patches and nesting sit...
The Flame-breasted Sunbird is endemic to the biogeographical region of Wallacea in Indonesia and East Timor. Its extensive range includes the island of Sulawesi and its satellite islands (e.g., Sula, Banggai), the Lesser Sundas (Flores, Sumbawa, Timor, Wetar, Alor), and the southern Moluccas (Ser...
Least Concern
- The male's 'flame-breast' is not always purely red; it can display fiery orange or even yellowish hues depending on light conditions and individual variation. - Despite their vibrant colors, Flame-breasted Sunbirds can be surprisingly difficult to photograph due to their constant, rapid movemen...